Control fob water heaters



April 19, 1949- R. H. MUNsoN 2,467,944

CONTROL FOR WATER HEATERS April 19, 1949. R. H. MuNsoN CONTROL FOR WATER HEATERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed sept. 11 194;

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' CONTROL FOR WATER I-IEATERS` Filed sept. 11, 1945 3 sheets-sheet s Patented Apr. 19, 1949 vUNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE CONTROL FOR WATER HEATERS Ralph H. Munson, St. Paul, Minn. Application September 11, 1943, Serial No. 502,083

4Claiml. l

My invention relates to an improvement in control for water heater or the like, wherein it is desired to provide a means capable of turning on a water heater, or similar object, for a variable interval of time.

Various timing devices have been provided for operating water heaters for a controlled period. These devices are ordinarily set for a selected period of time and a clock or measuring device maintains the heater in operation for the desired period of time. Such a mechanism is ordinarily rather costly to install and is subject to some diillculty due to the intermittent operation of the timing clock.

'Ihe present invention resides in a timing device which will operate for a predetermined minimum interval or for any multiple of this minimum interval. In other words, if the minimum interval for actuation of the heater is one minute, the heater may be actuated for any desired number of minute intervals up to predetermined maximum time.

A feature of the present invention lies in the fact that the switch mechanism controlled by the controlling device may be mounted on a pivoted lever or the like so that the closing and opening of the switch means can take place virtually instantaneously. This construction obviates the diillculty of a gradual operation of the circuit closing switch at times to injure the points of the switch by arcing as the switch contacts slowly approach one another.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the fact that the controlling device can be very simply and inexpensively installed. AIn order to properly install the system it is only necessary to provide one or two wires extending from the control unit to a suitable push button where the ground acts as a return wire. Such wires can be readily installed to various points of a house or apartment, thus making the installation much simpler than in constructions where manually operating chains or cables are required.

A feature of the present invention lies in the fact that the control is located near the water heater, and it is only necessary to provide a simple push button at any convenient location to actuate the control. Preferably a signal light is mounted adjacent the push button so as to indicate the operation of the heater by producing a signal when the heater is turned on.

A feature of my invention lies in the provision of a ratchet gear or the like which is used in combination with an escapement mechanism and which is normally urged in one rotatable direcnon. Act-nation er the push button operates the escapement mechanism in order to set the con.

trol into operation.

Thesel and Yother objects and `novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.V

In the drawings forming a part of'my speciilcation:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view oi' the control showing the wiring diagram in combination therewith.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing the parts of the apparatus in a diilerent relative position than was illustrated in Figure l.

Figure 3 is a view showing the pawl mechanism for actuating the control ratchet, these parts being in a different relative position than is shown in Figures l and 2.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing the parts of the device in still a different relative position than was shown in the previous gures.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the pawl or dog used to return the ratchet to wound position.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing a f modified form of control and the wiring diagram used in conjunction therewith.

The control device A includes a base plate I Il formed of insulation material, or the like, forming a support for the operating mechanism. A ratchet Il is rotatably mounted on a shaft I 2 which extends substantially normal to the surface of the base Il. A spring I3 normally urges spring Il connected to one end of the lever Il and anchored at I8 to the base Il. A projection 20 is urged into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet I l by means oi the springs Il, thisprojection 20 normally preventing the rotation of the ratchet I i.

An armature plate 2| is provided on the lever 3 I5. This armature plate 2I may be attracted by the magnet coils 22 mounted on the base plate I when the magnet coils are energized. Such energization of the coils 22 pivots the lever I5 to withdraw the projection from engagement with a tooth of the ratchet I I.

In order to prevent free rotation of the ratchet Il upon withdrawal of the projection 20, I provide a cooperating projection 23 on the lever I5 which engages the teeth of the ratchet II when the projection 20 is retracted. When the projection 20 is disengaged from any tooth of the ratchet the projection 23 is in engagement therewith so as to prevent rotation of the ratchet more than approximately one-half the circumferential distance between the ratchet teeth. When the magnets 22 are de-energized the spring I1 will return the lever I5 to its normal position indicated in full lines in Figure 1 of the drawings, whereupon the projection 20 will engage the tooth next succeeding the tooth ordinarily engaged before actuation of the magnets I I.

In other words, the lever I5 cooperates with the ratchet I I in the manner usual to an escapement mechanism to permit advance of the ratchet I'I a radial direction of one tooth for each actuation of the magnets 22.

A switch lever 24 is pivoted at I6 coaxial with the lever I5. The lever 24 is normally urged in a clockwise direction by a spring 25 which is anchored to the base plate I0 at 26. The lever 24, however, is provided with a projection 21 thereupon which is engageable with a pin 29 mounted upon the ratchet II. When the pin 29 is in engagement with the projection 21 the lever 24 is pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction into the position illustrated in full lines in Figure 1 of the drawings. However, when the escapement mechanism is actuated to permit the ratchet II to pivot through the angular distance of one tooth of the ratchet the pin 29 is moved out of engagement with the projection 21 and the lever 24 pivots into the position illustrated in dotted outline in Figure l of the drawings and illustrated in full lines in Figure 2 of the drawings.

A pair of cooperable contacts 30 and 3l may be closed by a wedge-shaped circuit closing contact 32 mounted near one end of the lever 24. A contact plate 35 is also provided on the lever 24 which is engageable with a fixed contact 36-when the lever 24 is in the full line position shown in Figure 2 of the drawings. Thev contact 36 is spaced from the contact plate 35 when the lever 24 is in the inoperable position shown in Figure l of the drawings.

Explanation has been made of the manner in which the ratchet I'I may be unwound by the escapement lever I5. The manner in which the ratchet II is reset into wound position will now be described.

A motor 31 is secured to the undersurface of the base plate I0. A cam wheel or crank arm 39 is rotatably supported by the motor 31. The motor` 31 is equipped with a gear reduction so that the cam 39 will rotate at an extremely slow rate of speed. For example one rotation of the cam 39 may be made every two minutes.

A link 40 is pivotally connected to the cam wheel or crank arm 39 at the point 4I. This link is pivotally connected at 42 to a block 43 which is swivelly connected at 44 to an arm 45. The arm 45 oscillates a shaft 46 which projects through the base plate I0.

Upon the shaft 46 is secured the resetting assembly indicated in general by the numeral 41.

This assembly 41 includes a flat plate 49, to the surface of which is pivoted an arm 50. A spring 5I between the arm 50 and the plate 49 urges the arm 50 in a counter-clockwise direction. A stop shoulder 52 on the plate 49 limits rotatable movement in a counter-clockwise direction. However, the arm 56 may pivot in a clockwise direction by stretching the spring 5I'. y

A pawl or dog 53 is slidably supported upon the plate I0 by means of pins 54 and 55 which extend through a slot 56 in the pawl or dog. The slot 56 is shaped in the manner best illustrated in Figure 5 of the drawings, this slot having a wedge-shaped enlargement 51 at one end thereof which terminates in a cam shoulder 59. A ratchet engaging nger 66 extends at right angles to the plane of the at dog 53 and a projecting ear 6I provides an anchoring point for one end of a spring 62. The spring 62 is anchored in a notch 63 in the ear 6I and connects this ear with a fixed anchoring point 64 on the base plate I0. Due to the fact that the spring is attached to the ear 6I at a point substantially spaced from the center line of the dog or pawl 53, the spring 62 tends to rotate the pawl or dog in a clockwise direction. The dog or pawl 53 is prevented from such rotation, however, by the two pins 54 and 55 engaged in the slot 56.

The pawl or dog 53 is supported below the surface of the ratchet Il so that it may slide freely without interference with the ratchet in one direction. However, the upstanding finger 69 projects up from the pawl to the level of the ratchet and this finger may engage any of the various ratchet teeth. The spring 52 is substantially stronger than the spring 13 so that when the yringer 69 engages one of the teeth of the ratchet I`I the ratchet will be rotated in a clockwise direction, contrary to the arrow i4, by the spring 62.

In order` that the operation of the present device may be understood, various positions of the lresetting assembly have been illustrated in the various gures of the drawings. When the control is not in operation the arm 50 and the resetting assembly 41 are in substantially the position illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings. When the magnets 22 are energized the escapement lever I5 is pivoted in a counter-clockwise dirction allowing the ratchet II to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction through a fraction of the length of one of the teeth of the ratchet. When the magnets 22 are de-energized the spring I1 returns the escapement arm or lever I5 to the position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 1 of the drawings, with the projection 20, however, engaging the next adjacent ratchet tooth. The movement of the ratchet II in a counter-clockwise direction acts to disengage the pin 29 from the projection 21 on the lever 24, thus permitting the lever 24 to pivot in a clockwise direction. This action causes the wedge-shaped contact 32 to electrically connect the contacts 36 and 3I andcauses a circuit to be completed between the contact 36 and the plate 35.

By means of a circuit which will be later described in detail, the motor 31 is set into operation rotating the cam or crank arm 39. This action causes rotation of the cam or crank arm very slowly swinging the arm 45 in a counterclockwise direction and similarly rotating the plate 49 and the armv 56 forming a part of the resetting assembly.

As the resetting assembly 41 pivots in a counter-clockwise direction the arm 33 moves into engagement with the dog or pawl 53. 'Ihe arm 53 is provided with a downwardly projecting nange which engages the edge of the dog or pawl 53. The arm 53 is positioned above the level of the pawl 53, but below the level of the ratchet 'I'he iiange 35 is drawn along the upper edge of the pawl 53 as the resetting assembly oscillates in a counter-clockwise direction. Figure 2 illustrates the manner in which the arm 53 pivots relative to the plate 49 to permit continued pivotal movement of the resetting assembly 49 on its shaft 43. Eventually the ange 35 on the arm 53 passes the end of the pawl or dog 53, whereupon the spring 5| pivots the arm 53 back against its stop shoulder 52. The position of the arm 33 and the resetting assembly 41, upon reaching the extremity of its counter-clockwise oscillation, is shown in dotted outline in Figure 2 of the drawings. When the resetting assembly 41 reaches the extremity of its movement in a counter-clockwise direction the cam or crank arm 39 has rotated through substantially one hundred eighty degrees. Further rotation of the motor 31 starts the resetting assembly into rotation in a clockwise direction.

As the resetting assembly 41 pivots in a. clockwise direction the ilange 35 on the arm 53 engages the end of the dog or pawl 53, as illustrated in full lines in Figure 4 of the drawings. As the arm 53 is held from rotation by the stop shoulder 32,

vthe dog or pawl slide to the left as viewed in Figure 4 of the drawings, to its extreme position which is closely approached in Figure 4 of the drawings. As the pawl 53 moves to the left the arm 50 exerts a force upon the right hand end of the pawl which tends to rotate the pawl in a counter-clockwise direction about its supporting pins. This force by the flange 35 counteracts the torce of the spring 32, tending to pull the pawl or dog 53 to the right and also to rotate this pawl in a clockwise direction. As a result `the pin 55 slides along the lower straight edge of the slot 53 during movement of the pawl toward the left.

When the resetting assembly 41 swings in its clockwise direction a suiilcient distance to clear the end of the pawl 53, the flange 35 on the arm 53 again rides over the edge of the right hand end of the pawl. As the flange 55 clears the end of the pawl, this pawl is pulled into its normal position by the spring 3 2 assuming the position indicated in dotted outline in Figure 4 of the drawings.

During the movement of the pawl 53 from the full line position shown in Figure 4 to the dotted outline position shown in this same gure the ratchet is moved in a clockwise direction an angular distance equalling one tooth of the ratchet. This movement of the ratchet is accomplished by engagement of the finger 33 with one of the teeth of the ratchet, during the return movement of the pawl from its left hand position to its right hand position illustrated in Figure 4. The intermediate position of the pawl 53 between the two positions shown in Figure 4 of the drawings is illustrated in full outline in Figure 3 of the drawings.

Upon release of the linger 35 from the end of the pawl, the force tending to rotate the pawl 53 in a counter-clockwise direction is released. The spring 52 thereupon pivots the pawl in a clockwise direction, the finger 30' engaging behind one of the teeth of the pawl. The spring .closing the circuit from the ground 93 32 continues moving the pawl to return the same to its normal inoperative position. During a length of movement equal to the distance be tween two adjacent teeth of the pawl, the finger 33 engages the tooth and rotates the ratchet in a clockwise direction. When the pawl reaches the position illustrated in Figure 3 of the drawings, the ratchet has been rotated almost the required distance. At this point, however, the supporting pin 55 engages the shoulder 33 which tends to pivot the pawl 53 in a counter-clockwise direction to disengage the ilnger 33 from the gear tooth. By the time this disengagement takes place the ratchet Il is rotated a distance sumcient to permit the projection 23 to engage the next adjacent tooth thereof.

The manner in which the escapement mechanism is operated is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1 of the drawings. The line wires 33 and 31 are connected to a source of current supply. 'I'he line wire 33 extends to one terminal of a micro switch 33, the other terminal of which is connected by the conductor 13 to the contact 3| on the base il. The cooperable contact 33 is connected by a conductor 1| to a solenoid 13 of a solenoid valve 14 controlling the ilow of gas or -the like through the pipe 15. The other terminal of the solenoid 13 is connected by the conductor 12 to the line wire 31.

The line 31 is also connected by the conductor 13 to the primary 11 of a transformer 13, the other terminal of which is connected by the conductor 33 to the conductor 13. Thus at all times when the micro switch 39 is closed the current will be on to energize the transformer 11.

One terminal of the secondary 3| of the transformer 19 is grounded at 32. 'I'he other secondary terminal is connected by a. conductor 33 and conductor 34 to one terminal of the motor 31. The other motor terminal is connected by the conductor 35 and the conductor 33 to the contact 33 which is engageable with the contact plate 35. The contact plate 35 is grounded as indicated at 31.

A conductor 39 extends from the conductors 33 and 33 to a signal light 93 which in turn is connected by conductors 9| and 92 to one terminal of the magnets 22. The magnets 22 are connected in series and the other terminal thereof is connected by conductor 93 to the conductor 33. A conductor 94 connects with the conductor 92 and extends through the push button 95 to ground at 93.

A pilot burner pipe 91 is connected to the gas supply line 15 to provide a pilot light 99 which is constantly ignited. A strip of thermostatic material |20 is controlled by the llame 39 and when the name 99 is ignited the micro switch 33 is closed. However, should the pilot light 33 go out the micro switch 39 will open, opening the circuit to the control and therefore preventing the operation of the same.

In operation the control circuit is set into operation when the push buttonv 95 is depressed, through conductors 94 and 92 to the solenoids 22. 'I'he circuit is completed from the solenoids 22 through the conductors 93 and 33, and the transformer secondary 3|, one terminal of which is grounded at 32. This operation energizes the solenoid and acts to pivot the switch lever 24 in the manner -which has heretofore been set forth in detail.

The pivoting of the switch lever 24 acts to close Vo. circuit between the contacts 30 and 3|. This action causes a circuit from the line wire 33 through the micro switch 89 and the conductor through the contacts 30 and 3| and its cooperable Wedge-shaped contact 32, returning through the conductor 1| to vthe solenoid 18. The other terminal of the solenoid 13 is connected by the conductor 12 to the other line wire 81. Accordingly upon pivotal movement of the arm 24 the solenoid 13 is energized opening the solenoid valve 14 and allowing gas to enter the burner of the heater..

The pivoting of the lever 24 also closes a circuit to the motor 31. This circuit extends from the ground 82 through the transformer secondary 8|, the conductors 83 and 84 to one motor terminal. The other motor terminal is connected by conductors 85 and 86 to the contact 38 which closes a circuit through the contact plate 35 which is grounded at 81. Thus a circuit is closed tothe motor 31 which continues to be closed until the switch lever 24 is pivoted into the position illustrated in full lines in Figure 1 of the drawings.

From the foregoing description it will be obvious vthat each time the push button 95 is depressed the ratchet will be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction an angular distance of one tooth of the ratchet. This action sets the motor 31 into operation and the motor 31 acts through the resetting mechanism 41 to reset the ratchet after a desired time interval, which may be for example two minutes. During this two minutes the solenoid 13 is in operation holding the gas line open.

By depressing the push button 95 two successive times the ratchet will be pivoted through an angular distance equal to two of the teeth of the ratchet, and four minutes will be required to return 'the ratchet to its initial position. Similarlyif the push button 95 is depressed twenty times in succession the ratchet will be rotated through an angular distance equal to that of twenty ratchet teeth and forty minutes will be required to reset the ratchet l I'into starting position and therefore to turn oi the gas supply to the heater. Thus any desired length of heating interval may be provided by pressing the push button 95 the desired number of times.

During all of the time the heater is in operation the control light 90adjacent the push but-` ton is illuminated, thus showing that the vheater is on. The circuit to the light 90 extends from low voltage coil 8| through conductors 83 and 93, magnet coils 22, conductors 92 and 9|, light 90, conductors 89 and 86, contacts 36 and 35 to ground 81. The other terminal of the coil 8| is grounded at 82, thus completing the circuit. The current in this circuit is insufiicient to actuate armature plate 2| as the coils 22 and light 90 are in series. Actuation of the push button 95 closes a direct circuit from current source 8| to the magnet -coils 22 including conductors 83, 93, coils 22, conductors 92, 94, push button 95 and conductor 96. This direct circuit actuates magnet coils 22 to attract armature plate 2|.

In Figure 6 of the drawings I disclose a modified form of control construction. It will be noted that the control A describes operation by a motor 31 which acts to actuate ratchet mechanism. I have found, however, that in some instances it is less expensive to use a simple magnetic device for resetting the ratchet In such a case it is only necessary to provide a relatively The control B, illustrated in Figure 6, includes a base -plate or panel |0| having a ratchet |02 pivotally mounted there on at |03. A spring |04 normally urges the ratchet |02 in the direction of the arrow |05.

An escapement lever |08 is pivotally mounted to the base |0| at |01 and this escapement lever is normally urged in a clockwise direction by means of a spring |09 connecting one end of the arm or lever |08 with the base |0| When urged in this direction by the, spring |09 the tooth ||0 is in engagement with one ofthe teeth of the ratchet |02. The lever |08 is provided with an armature formed of material which may be attracted by the magnetic device H2. Upon actuation of the magnetic device ||2 the lever |08 may be pivoted in a counter-clockwise direction,

disengaging the tooth ||8 from the ratchet tooth it previously engaged and permitting the ratchet to pivot until a ratchet tooth engages the remaining toothed end ||3 of the escapement lever |06. This action permits the ratchet |02 to unwind through a portion of the circumferential distance of one ratchet tooth. Upon opening the circuit to the magnetic device ||2 the spring |09 again pivots the lever |08 in a clockwise direction, causing the tooth ||0 to engage the tooth next succeeding the tooth previously engaged thereby.

The ratchet |02 is provided with a pin ||4 engageable with a cam projection H5 on a switch lever H6. When the pin ||4 engages the projeci tion ||5 the lever ||6 is pivoted in a counterclockwise direction, stretching the spring ||1.l However, when the pin H4 is pivoted out of engagement with the projection ||5 the spring ||1 pulls the switch arm I I6 about the pivot |01, closing a pair of circuits in the manner which will be later described.

In order to reset the ratchet |02 by rotating the same in a direction to increase the tension of the spring |04, I provide a bell crank lever H8 pivoted to the base at ||9 and urged in a clockwise direc- -tion by means'of a spring |20, terminally anchored to the base |0|. A stop |2|, or other suitable means, limits rotation of the lever H8. However, when the magnetic devices |22 are energized the armature |23 on the lever ||8 is attracted thereby swinging the lever l|8 in. a counter-clockwise direction. The pivoted |24 on the end of the arm |25 of the lever H8 engages a tooth of the ratchet |02 and swings the ratchet in a clockwise direction. The pivoted dog |24 on the end of the arm |25 of the lever ||8 engages a tooth of the ratchet |02 and swings the ratchet in a clockwise direction, acting to stretch the spring |04.

Thedog |24 is pivoted to the lever |25 by means of the pivot |26 and this dog is maintained in proper relative position by means of a spring |21 which urges the dog |24 into one extreme position thereof. A linger |29 on the dog |24 engages an edge of the lever arm |25 to limit rotation of inexpensive motor or other device which does not require the power necessary to actuate the motor 31.

the dog |24 in one direction. Thus the dog |24 may ride over the surface of the next adjacent ratchet tooth in returning to its normal position i of the motor or other means.

The control is arranged to actuate a solenoid valve |34 which controls gas pressure through the gas line |35. A pilot burner tube |36 is connected to the gas line |31 in advance of the valve |34 and provides a constant ame |39, which tends to heat the thermostatic metal strip |40 controlling the switch 4|. The switch |4| remains closed at all times, except when the pilot valve |39 is extinguished, whereupon the circuit through the valve |34 is broken and no actuation of the control may take place.

The circuit controlling the control B is somewhat similar to the circuit previously described in conjunction with the control A. A line wire |42 is connected through the switch |4| and conductor |43, which in turn is connected to the primary |44 of the transformer |45. The other terminal of the transformer primary |44 is connected to line wire |46. In this way the transformer |45 is constantly energized, as .well as the pilot light flame |39.

The line wire I 42 is connected through the normally closed switch |4| to conductor |41 which leads to one contact of a pair of spaced contacts |49. The other contact of this pair is connected by a line wire |50 to one terminal of the solenoid in the solenoid valve |34. The other terminal oi' this valve solenoid is connected by conductor to the other line wire |46. i

The contacts |49 may be closed by a conductor |62 mounted through an insulated support |53 upon the switch lever I6. Thus when the switch lever ||6 is not in engagement with the pin |4 or the ratchet |02, the conductor |52 lforms an electrical bridge between the contacts |49, completing the circuit therebetween..

The transformer |45 is provided with a secondary coil |54, one terminal of which is grounded at |55. The remaining terminal of the secondary |54 is connected by conductor |56 to the magnetic device i2. The remaining terminal oi! the magnetic device ||2 is connected by conductor |51 to a manually operable push button |59, the other terminal of which is grounded at |60.

The conductor |56 is connected to a conductor |6| leading to one terminal of the motor |30, the other terminal of this motor is connected by conductor |62 t0 a contact |63 which is engageable and disengageable with a contact plate |64 which is grounded at |65. The contact |64 is mounted upon the switch arm I6.

The conductor |62 is also connected-by the conductor |66 to a signal light or means |61, the other terminal of which is connected to conductor |51. The light |61 provides an indication when the control is in operation and this signal light is extinguished when the circuit to the control is broken.

'I'he conductor |56 is also connected by conductor |69 to the switch |33, the other terminal of which is connected by conductor |10 to one terminal of the magnetic device |22, the other terminal of which is grounded at |1|.

In operation the control remains normally inactive in the position illustrated in the drawing. When it is desired to heat water, the push button |59 is depressed, closing a circuit from the secondary coil |54 through the conductor |56, the magnetic device ||2 and conductor |51. As the remaining terminal of the push button |59 and one end of the transformer secondary |54 are grounded, thel circuit is complete to actuate the magnetic device H2, swinging the escapement lever |06 upwardly against tension of the spring 09, and releasing the ratchet |02 for rotation through an angular distance of one tooth of the ratchet, When pressure on the button |56 is released the circuit to the magnetic device ||2 is broken and the spring |09 swings the escapement lever |06 into its normal position shown in full lines in the drawing.

During this timing, however, the ratchet |02 has rotated in a counterclockwise direction sutliciently to disengage the pin ||4 from the cam projection H5.' As a result the switch arm ||6 is released and the spring ||1 swings the switch arm ||6 in a clockwise direction, closing the circuit between the contacts |49 and also closing the circuit through the contact arm |63. l

As a result of the closure of these contacts a' circuit is closed from line wire |42 through the closed switch |4|, conductor |41, contacts |49, conductor |50, and solenoid coil valve |34, the other terminal of which is connected to the remaining line wire |46 by the conductor |5|. The solenoid valve |34 is accordingly actuated, opening the valve and permitting gas or other iluid supply to pass to the burner of the heater. This gas is ignited by the pilot light llame |39. The heating of the water therefore begins virtually instantaneously upon actuation of the button |59.

When' the switch arm ||6 is pivoted as described, a circuit is also completed from ground |55 through transformer secondary |54, conductor |56, coils ||2 of the magnetic device, conductor |51, to one terminal of the signal device |61. The other terminal of this signal device is connected by conductors |66 and |62 to the closed contacts |63 and |64, the latter of which is grounded at |65 to complete the circuit.

Rotation of the motor |30 continues until the projection |32 momentarily closes the circuit to the magnetic device |22. This circuit extends from ground |55 through transformer secondary |54, conductors |56 and |69, switch |33, conductor |10, magnetic device |22, and ground |1|. The energizationof the magnetic device |22 pivots thebell crank lever ||1 in a counterclockwise direction, pivoting the ratchet |02 in a clockwise direction through an angular distance equal to one tooth of the ratchet. The escapement lever |06 is automatically actuated by this reverse rotation of the ratchet |02 and acts to hold the ratchet |02 in the position to which it has been advanced.

During this return rotation of the ratchet |02, the pin ||4 thereon strikes the projection 5, pivoting the switch lever ||6 in a counter-clockwise direction and breaking the circuits both to the solenoid valve |34, the motor 30 and the signal light |61. The gas passing through the solenoid valve |34 will then be again cut off, terminating the heating period.

Each time the push button |59 is depressed the escapement lever |06 will be actuated to permit rotation of the ratchet |02 a distance of one tooth. Therefore a single actuation of the push button |59 is arranged to provide a minimum heating period. Any desired multiple of this minimum heating period up to the number of teeth on the ratchet may be provided. Therefore, if it is learned from experience that a certain length of time is required to heat suiiicient water to iill a predetermined need, this time may be obtained by actuating the push button |59 the necessary number of consecutive times.

The circuit to light |61 extends through the magnet coils I|2. When the light |61 and magnets Il! are in series the light will be illuminated, but the current will be insuillcient through magnets I I2 to attract amature plate I I I. When the push button |59 is actuated, a direct circuit to the magnets II2 eliminating the light |61 is closed. An increased current then ilows through themagnets II2, attracting the armature plate III.

. In accordance with the patent statutes, I have described the principles oi construction and operation oi my control for water heater, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A control for an electric circuit comprising a movably mounted switch actuating member operable in two directions, an impulse operated means controlling the distance of movement in one direction, a push button electrically connected to said impulse operating means to actuate the same, means for moving said switch actuating member in the opposite direction, signal light means adjacent said push button means, and a circuit to said impulse operating means connecting said signal light in series with said impulse operated means.

2. A control for an electric circuit comprising a rotatably mounted ratchet, impulse operated means controlling rotation of said ratchet an angular distance of one ratchet tooth for each impulse, a push button electrically connected to said impulse operated means to provide impulses to actuate the same, circuit controlling means operable by said ratchet upon movement thereof into or out of a starting position, means operable to rotate said ratchet in the opposite direction, said means comprising a pawl engageable with said ratchet, a spring normally urging said pawl in one direction,A and an oscillating pawl releas- I actuate the same, circuit controlling means'operably engageable with said first named pawl to urge the same in one direction against the tension of said spring, means constantly oscillating said oscillating pawl, said first named pawl returning said ratchet an angular distance of one ratchet'tooth during each operation thereof, said ratchet controlling operation of said means for continuously moving said oscillating pawl,

3. A control for an electric circuit comprising a. rotatably mounted ratchet, impulse operated means controlling rotation of said ratchet an angular distance of one ratchet tooth for each impulse, a push button electrically connected to said 55 impulse operated means to provide impulses to able by said ratchet upon movement thereof into or out of a starting position, and-means for operating said ratchet in the opposite direction, said means comprising a reciprocable pawl, spring means urging said pawl in one extreme position, a reciprocable arm, a pivotal pawl pivotally supported by said arm, means for continuously oscillating said arm, said pivotal pawl being engage-` able with said reciprocable pawl to urge said reciprocable pawl into its other extreme position, and upon further oscillation of said oscillating arm tc release said reciprocable pawl, said reciprocable pawl acting to return said ratchet a distance of one tooth, a circuit to'said means for continuously operating said reciprocating arm, and means controlled by said ratchet for controlling the circuit to said continuously operating means.

4. A heater control for use with an electric circuit, including a pair of switches, means movable in two. directions between two extreme positions and operable in one extreme position to open said switches, impulse operated means controlling the movement of said movable means in one direction away from said one extreme position, a push button, a push button' circuit including a rst conductor from one terminal of said push button to one terminal of said impulse operated means, a current supply source, a second conductor between the other terminal of said impulse operated means and one terminal of said current supply source, the other terminals of said push button andfsaidvcurrent supply source being grounded, an indicating light, and a light circuit to saidlight, said light circuit including portions of said first named circuit comprising said current supply source, said second conductor, said impulse actuated means, and said ilrst conductor, said light circuit also including said light, one terminal of said light being connected to said one conductor and a conductor connecting the other terminal of said light to one terminal of one of said switches, the other terminal of said one switch being grounded to complete the circuit.

RALPH I-I. MUNSON.

REFERENCES CITED f The following references are of record inthe file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,816,526 Hall July 28, 1931 1,855,741 Ganger Apr. 26, 1932 2,189,540 Boerger Feb. 6, 194,0 

